We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Continue' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

The measurement and monitoring of safety

Vincent, Burnett and Carthey (2013)

A framework for measuring and monitoring safety

Summary

Patients, clinicians, managers all want to be reassured that their healthcare organisation is safe. But there is no consensus about what we mean when we ask whether a healthcare organisation is safe or how is this achieved.

In 2013, Charles Vincent and colleagues published a report commissioned by The Health Foundation on safety measurement in the NHS.Drawing in part on approaches used outside of health care, the report proposes a more rounded way of understanding safety, focused on five dimensions, as summarised in framework diagram shown here.

The Health Foundation is now testing and developing the model further. Three regional improvement bodies in England and Scotland have been commissioned to develop, test and evaluate the approach. The aim is to collectively develop insights, approaches and materials to support NHS-wide use of the framework in practice.

Our group is now working to track the progress of the framework and its use and impact in the NHS and international healthcare.